The reality TV mogul may have quit his judging role on the show to concentrate on the US version, but he is said to be a huge fan of the band – consisting Jesy Nelson , Perrie Edwards , Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock â who have got further than any other girl group in the competition’s history.

Tulisa said: ‘Simon rang me at home one night to chat about the show, telling me things he wanted to work on to keep the programme as fresh as possible and things he liked, which was nice to hear.

‘He told me that he really liked the girls. He actually said he’s backing them to win. They’re all really nice girls.’

If Little Mix make the finals of the show on December 10 they are hoping they will get to realise one of their dreams and perform with Price Tag singer Jessie J.

Jade said: ‘We’d love to make it to the final. We’ve just got to keep working hard and see how it goes. We want to perform with Jessie J.

‘She’s so inspirational. From her songs to the way she performs, she’s just the most amazing performer ever. She really means a lot to us.’

Jesy added: ‘If not Jessie J, then Tulisa. We love Tulisa, it would be amazing.’